Q. How can I copy more than one file specification at a time from the command prompt?Q. Why can't I use Microsoft NetMeeting to share applications?Q. How can I configure a services startup type from the command line?Q. How can I use Group Policy to configure the Shutdown Event Tracker?Q. What's Rendom.exe?

This week, I explain how to copy more than one file specification at a time from the command prompt, describe when you can share applications in Microsoft NetMeeting, and tell you how to configure a services startup type from the command prompt. I also explain how to use Group Policy to configure the Shutdown Event Tracker and introduce you to a new utility in Windows Server 2003 that will let you rename DNS and NetBIOS names and move domains.

Around the industry, last week Microsoft released a new Windows 2003 build to beta testers. The latest version looks good and includes a new Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) lock-down pack (more on this soon). Microsoft is still on schedule to release Windows 2003 on April 24. The company has also released a version of Microsoft Exchange Server designed for ISPs. More information about this new version of Exchange is available. Microsoft has also released Windows XP Service Pack 1a (SP1a). However, because Microsoft is still trying to resolve legal woes surrounding Java, we might not see XP SP1b for a while.

We'll be taking a break from Windows XP and 2000 Tips & Tricks UPDATE next week in observance of Presidents' Day, but we'll be back on February 24. See you in 2 weeks.

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2. FAQS

Q. How can I copy more than one file specification at a time from the command prompt?

A. You typically use the Copy command to copy one file specification at a time. For example, to copy all .log and .tmp files to the \temp directory, type

copy *.log d:\temp
copy *.tmp d:\temp

To copy more than one file specification at a time, use the plus symbol (+) between file specifications. For example, to copy all .log and .tmp files to the \temp directory, type

copy *.log + *.tmp d:\temp

Q. Why can't I use Microsoft NetMeeting to share applications?

A. Within NetMeeting, any meeting participant who connects through a standard connection (e.g., network or dial-up connection) can go to the Tools menu and select Sharing to share an application (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint) with other meeting participants so that they can see the application window and any actions taken within the application. As a result, you don't have to host the meeting to share applications, although the meeting host can configure the meeting so that only he or she can share programs.

If you use Remote Desktop or a Windows 2000 Server Terminal Services session to connect to NetMeeting, you won't be able to share applications during the meeting. Similarly, you won't be able to share applications if you try to share applications too quickly after the meeting has started—your computer must synchronize with the other participants' computers before sharing information. Try waiting 30 seconds after the meeting has started before attempting to share an application.

Q. How can I configure a services startup type from the command line?

A. You typically use the Services GUI in Windows to configure a services startup type, but you can also use the Sc command to set the startup type from the command line:

sc config <service name> start=<mode>

For example,

sc config tlntsvr start=auto

automatically starts the tlntsvr service when you boot the system.

The start options are

auto—a service automatically started at boot time, even if no user logs on

boot—a device driver loaded by the boot loader

demand—a service that must be manually started (the default)

disabled—a service that can't be started

system—a service started during kernel initialization

Q. How can I use Group Policy to configure the Shutdown Event Tracker?

A. In a previous FAQ, I described how to use the registry to enable and disable the Shutdown Event Tracker. You can also use Group Policy to configure the Shutdown Event Tracker by performing the following steps:

Open Group Policy, then load the group policy you want to apply the change to.

Expand Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, System.

Double-click Display Shutdown Event Tracker.

Select Enabled.

Select the Never option, then click OK.

Click OK to close all dialog boxes.

Q. What's Rendom.exe?

A. Windows 2000 domains, trees, and forests have several limitations, the biggest of which are

You can't change the DNS or NetBIOS name of a domain

You can't move a domain within a tree or forest

Windows Server 2003 will include a new utility named Rendom that will address many of these limitations. For example, rendom.exe will let you change both the DNS and NetBIOS name and move domains within the forest.

The tool operates in a 3-stage process:

The /list switch creates an XML file with the current forest structure.

The /prepare switch edits the XML file to the desired structure, then runs the file on each domain controller (DC) to ensure the DCs are ready.

The /upload switch uploads the new structure.

To use the utility, you must ensure that all DCs in the forest are running Windows 2003 and that the forest functionality mode is at least Windows .NET. Additional information about Rendom is available.

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